In August 2024, Dr. Bartley participated in the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain, contributing to the symposium From Hysteria to Science: Advancements in the Management of Female Chronic Pelvic Pain. This session explored the historical misconceptions surrounding pelvic pain in women and highlighted modern, evidence-based approaches to its management.
Dr. Bartley’s presentation focused on the prevalence of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) in pelvic pain. COPCs, such as fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and migraine, frequently co-occur with pelvic pain, complicating diagnosis and treatment. By examining epidemiological trends and shared underlying mechanisms, Dr. Bartley’s work emphasized the need for an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to pain management that considers both central and peripheral contributors to chronic pain.
For more information on the symposium and related research, visit https://www.iasp-pain.org/